The Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has warned of what he described as “neocolonialist sympathizers” working to undermine Uganda’s stability, even as he reaffirmed the country’s security and progress.
Speaking on Thursday, July 9, during a pass-out ceremony for over 10,000 recruits of the Uganda People's Defence Forces at Kaweweta, Muhoozi said Uganda remains peaceful and on a steady development path, but faces internal and external threats aimed at destabilizing its sovereignty.
“I wish to reassure and inform the country that Uganda is peaceful, secure, and thriving; however, what is also true is that we have to deal with the fifth column of neocolonialist sympathizers and agents of foreign interests who are intent on sabotaging our national independence and development,” Muhoozi said.
He told the newly commissioned soldiers that the military was fully aware of what he termed as “insidious machinations” by negative elements, warning that such efforts would not be allowed to succeed.
“We are very aware of the insidious machinations of negative elements against our country, but the good news is that we will not permit their shenanigans,” he added.
The CDF emphasized that Uganda would not tolerate individuals or groups working covertly with foreign interests to weaken national unity or disrupt progress. He framed the issue as a broader struggle to preserve national identity and independence in the face of external influence.
“We can’t and shall not tolerate agents of foreign interests who secretly work to undermine the country’s progress. We will never allow agents of foreign interest to demoralize and demobilize the patriotic and nationalistic spirit of Ugandans,” Muhoozi said.
He further stressed that Uganda must retain control over its national narrative, warning against external interference in shaping the country’s political and developmental direction.
“We shall not allow foreign interest to determine our national narrative,” he stated.